Rangers drew level on points at the top of the Scottish Premiership but missed the chance to go top on goal difference against Ross County.
The Gers enjoyed near total domination against their Dingwall rivals who put in a spirited defensive display under interim manager Don Cowie.
But Rangers will rue a series of missed chances which prevented the club returning to the Premiership summit for the first time under Philippe Clement.
Eventually running out 3-1 winners courtesy of a Cyriel Dessers double and a John Souttar header, here’s the main talking points from a rain-soaked midweek clash at Ibrox.
Stats highlight Rangers Ross County profligacy
Whilst Cyriel Dessers netted twice in this match, the Nigerian nightmare could’ve well had at least a hattrick in the opening period.
In fact, the £4.5m summer signing had a quite remarkable 10 shots in his 70 minutes on the park but failed to add to his first-half brace.
Profligate finishing has become a feature of this Rangers team who – despite scoring three goals – took 43 shots to do so, 23 of which were on target.
Missing six out of eight big chances across the team, Rangers had a quite remarkable 20 corners and an expected goals stat of 4.77. Stats courtesy of Fot Mob.
It’s clear Rangers produced enough to win this match comfortably – and subsequently top the table – and the stats will be a worry for Philippe Clement.
Rangers fans felt the club needed a more ruthless number 9 in the January window and given it’s just taken us north of 40 shots to score three goals, it’s clear to see why.
Todd Cantwell a player transformed under Clement
There has never been any doubt about the talents of enigmatic playmaker Todd Cantwell, who was an inconsistent player at the start of the season.
Once tipped for the top sides of the Premier League, distraction has been an issue for the 25-year-old playmaker whose focus has often wavered on and off the park.
But under Philippe Clement the ex-Norwich City star is flowering into a top creative player and Todd Cantwell was the needle sewing the thread through this Rangers team at Ibrox.
Named Man of the Match, Todd Cantwell might’ve had a goal of his own today but if the playmaker continues to play like this then Rangers have a real asset.
Oscar Cortes hype is real
Rangers fans might’ve felt a tinge of disappointment upon the release of the club’s starting XI, with no place for Oscar Cortes against Ross County.
Rabbi Matondo started instead and had a disappointing opening first half, with Philippe Clement seeing enough and hooking him for the young Colombian at half-time.
Oscar Cortes is certainly not the finished article but the 20-year-old RC Lens loanee has talent in spades and looks a real find.
A direct, relentless attacker who is always a thorn in the opposition side, Cortes’ buzzed around Ibrox with all the excitement that should come with a young South American winger.
Oscar is still finding his feet but we reckon we might just be on to something with the wide man.
James Tavernier never stops
Rangers fans are so used to captain James Tavernier being a difference maker that they often overlook his immense contribution.
Against Ross County – the club’s lacklustre finishing and the emergence of the likes of Oscar Cortes a distraction – there’s a danger of this happening again.
But alas here we are to highlight yet another wonderful display from the Rangers skipper, who assisted all three Rangers goals in this match.
Finding Cyriel Dessers with a fine ball over the top for the opener – with the Belgian-born hitman netting with aplomb – it was Tavernier’s cross which was headed home by Dessers for the second.
The Rangers skipper then capped a fine performance with a final assist from a corner, whipping the ball on to the head of John Souttar.
